Last month, government delegates travelled to Stoke-on-Trent to see the positive impact that Tackling Homelessness funding is having on local people.

The funding made it possible for Concrete, and local authority Stoke-on-Trent City Council, to launch Lily Gertrude Simister Court, in Tunstall, in March this year.  

Lily Gertrude was transformed into much needed supported accommodation for local people who were previously sleeping rough.

Since opening, we have been able to accommodate and support 28 customers who were either rough sleeping or in emergency accommodation.

The scheme is supported by a number of services across the city including, Homeless Health Care, Men Unite, Walk Ministries and Changes.

Each resident has their own apartment, including a kitchen, bedroom and ensuite bathroom.  There are also communal facilities such as a shared kitchen, as well as a TV lounge, games and a tuck shop.

Representatives across the government visited the supported accommodation scheme in October to see the positive impact that it has had on local people.

Honeycomb Group’s Director of Support and Wellbeing, Melanie Dunn, said: “The visit was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the work of Concrete led by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, and in partnership with other organisations to achieve some truly remarkable outcomes for vulnerable people in need of emergency accommodation and support. 

“Visitors from the cabinet office, the ministry of justice and housing and communities were impressed by the passion and commitment of staff and were pleased to hear from customers themselves on the difference the project has made to them personally. 

“They heard how the building of trust, and the opportunity to learn from mistakes has played an important part in sustaining a place at the project which they can call home.” 

To find out more about Concrete visit thisisconcrete.org.uk